New Xbox 720: Live event given start time

After months of speculation, we can finally say that the wait is almost over. Microsoft has now confirmed that their next generation Xbox console will be unveiled at a private event next month. The new Xbox ‘720’ is almost upon us at last and we just have a few weeks to wait to see if all of the always-on rumors were true.

Unlike Sony’s February PS4 event, we hope we actually get to see the console as well on stage. Microsoft are now sending out invites to their new Xbox live event, and we can confirm that the official event start time will be May 21, at 10am Pacific Time, or 1pm for those of you on Eastern Time.

That means early evening for everyone in the UK and the early hours for our readers over in Hong Kong and Japan. Microsoft has also confirmed that a live stream will take place, allowing you to watch the new Xbox event live as everything unfolds on stage. Alternatively, the event will also be shown on Spike TV in the US and Canada.

Simply put, it is going to be an unmissable event, to see what Microsoft can come up with to counter Sony’s PS4 console, which will launch during the 2013 Holiday season. Don’t forget that E3 2013 is also taking place between June 11 and June 13, so Microsoft’s event may end up being a teaser before a full unveil at E3.

The company has told fans to expect to see ‘a new generation of TV, games and entertainment’. Meanwhile, a countdown to the live event start time has already begun over at Major Nelson’s website – 26 days and counting until the big day folks.

Let’s hope that backwards compatibility is just one of the many features of the new console. If Microsoft say it isn’t possible, a lot of people are not going to be happy. Always on is another big topic that Microsoft needs to set the record on – at least the answers will be given very soon.

So there we have it – we finally have a date for the next Xbox. Are you going to be tuning in live on May 21?